To bee, or not to bee

See the bee? It's on the right edge of the pink bloom.

My computer faces a window where, in spring, I’m exceedingly blessed by the sight of rhododendron blooms. Recently, I’ve noticed bumblebees working over the blossoms, truly “busy as a bee” as they feed on nectar and gather pollen for their young. I thought about Jesus’ parable in Luke 19 of servants entrusted with ten minas to invest while the master was away.

“Occupy till I come,” the master ordered them (Luke 19:13 KJV). In other words, be busy workers, making good investments. That parable ends with two good workers showing a return on his money, and one sullen worker admitting he did nothing.

The similar parable of the talents (Matthew 25) tells of workers entrusted with various amounts, according to their abilities. Two doubled their master’s money, but one just hid his in a hole. The master was thrilled with the diligence of the first two workers.  But the third, who did nothing, earned only his master’s scorn and banishment to a terrible place. Bible teachers say that we’re that third servant when we fail to honor our heavenly Master with diligence and service with the resources granted us. As 1 Cor. 4:2 adds, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”

I think about that as I go about my “computer” work. I’m grateful for this electronic marvel, which helps me write, bank, locate addresses, and keep in touch with hurting people. I’m amazed at how people around the world connect with this blog, which often relies on information ferreted out of Bible study web sites. But I’m very aware of a computer’s potential for addictive behavior. It easily serves up an artificial world that feeds base desires (as in pornography) or lures people into frittering away God’s precious gift of time.

I don’t want to be the sorry servant who did nothing with the master’s resources. When I stand before God after I die, I want Him to look over my life (including my computer time) and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21, 23). And for now, I’ll thank Him for sending a little busy, buzzing bee to remind me “to occupy” until He comes.